07 August 2010

Girasoli

Considering that I thought I'd killed the sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes) back in May, they've bounced back well and are now flowering. I'm pleased to have finally got some of these, as it's a plant that is native to this continent.


In the lower vegetable garden I've got some giant sunflowers growing. They're already taller than me and I'm looking forward to seeing these flower, too. I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that I've never grown giant sunflowers before. I think this is because my mother didn't like them and I inherited her prejudice without questioning it. I probably would have carried on not growing them if I hadn't been given some seeds this year. At that point I decided that I had enough prejudices of my own, without having to carry around other people's, so I sowed them and will happily confess that I have quite enjoyed watching these monsters grow.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I adore sunflowers. I grew some enormous ones last summer and the birds loved them too. They didn't do nearly as well this year, but there were still a few seeds for the birds to nibble on. I look forward to seeing your flowers!

Sunita Mohan said...

I would love to have giant sunflowers blooming their heads off in my garden! Unfortunately the flocks of wild parakeets that sweep through my garden always rip them apart before the buds can even unfurl. I really envy you!

Linda said...

I don't think it is possible to kill of Jerusalem artichokes. I've had them in the garden and just when I think I've dug them out, or pulled them out they pop up again. I was very dissapointed in the size of the flower bloom compared to the height of the plant. Guess I thought they would be a bit bigger.

Amanda said...

Hi Mo - yes, the fact that they'll provide a lot of seeds for the birds is one of the factors that changed my mind about the sunflowers. I can't believe how thick the stems are!

Sunita, the idea of having flocks of wild parakeets sounds pretty amazing, too. I think I'll envy you those, while you envy me my sunflowers!

Linda - I like that they have flowers at all - so many vegetables have small flowers or none!

Andrew Treloar said...

I agree - Jerusalem Artichokes are indestructible. Even in hot Melbourne summers, with very little water, they seem to thrive. Now, if only my family were prepared to eat them...

Amanda said...

Hi Andrew - I haven't ever eaten any myself (although their reputation for unfortunate digestive side-effects precedes them), so I'm not sure if any of us will like them yet! At least they brighten up an otherwise dull corner of the barnyard. Anything else is just a bonus.